If Looks Could Kill Read Free Page B

to fail? I’m his meal ticket—always have been.”
    Martika shook her head and went on, “If you ask me, Christina Adams is behind everything. I would have said so even before she pulled this latest stunt. Now I’m sure it’s her.”
    â€œI’d like to see the notes,” Nancy said.
    â€œOf course,” Martika said, rising. “They’re in my suite. I want to show them to you.”
    As they walked back up the hill to the main building, the conversation turned to other things. “I’ve always loved your photos,” Bess said. “You have so many different looks. How do you do it?”
    â€œOh, that’s mostly the photographers’ and stylists’ genius, not mine,” Martika said modestly.
    â€œYou know which photo spread of yours I really loved?” Bess asked. “The one you did with the snake. It was incredible. But weren’t you scared?”
    â€œScared?” Martika repeated as she led them into the lobby where the guests were getting to know one another and checking out the boutiques. “Not at all. I love animals, including snakes. The snake in the spread was my pet boa, Squeeze.”
    â€œSqueeze?” George repeated. “It sounds dangerous.”
    â€œHardly,” Martika said. “He wouldn’t hurt a fly. Besides, I feed him well and keep him in a very strong cage in my suite.” Leading them down a softly lit, white-carpeted corridor, she added, “Would you like to meet him?”
    â€œI’ll pass,” Bess said a little shakily.
    â€œOh, don’t be silly, he’s perfectly wonderful. He loves people, and he’s not at all slimy or dangerous,” Martika insisted as she stopped at the door to her suite and unlocked it.
    The outer chamber was a combination office and sitting room, with a sliding glass door that opened onto a private patio. Set against one wall were a large white lacquered desk and a huge bookshelf. “The notes are in my desk,” Martika said. “But come say hello to Squeeze first.”
    Opening another door, she led them into her living quarters. The entire suite was decorated in pastels: peach walls and a powder blue ceiling that echoed the blue of the sky. A king-size canopy bed was centered on the far wall. It was covered with plump, patterned pillows. Beside it was a night table with a graceful bird-of-paradise bouquet.
    They passed the open door into Martika’s bathroom. “Wow, what an incredible setup!” Bess said, peeking inside.
    â€œGo on in and look,” Martika offered, and the girls filed in. There was an enormous Jacuzzi with whirlpool jets, a sauna, and towel warmer. On the dressing table was an unbelievable variety of cosmetics and beauty aids.
    Martika reached for a crystal bottle. “See these fragrances? Essence of sage, mint, rosemary, orange blossom, and clove. They’re all made at our beauty center from plants that grow in the herb garden and other places on the island.” She unscrewed the top and dabbed a bit behind Bess’s ear. “It’s lavender—my favorite.”
    â€œThanks!” Bess said.
    â€œCome,” Martika said after a moment. “Let me introduce you to Squeeze.” She led them out of the dressing room and back into the bedroom.
    â€œI see his cage,” George said, pointing to a Plexiglas structure in the corner that was more a tropical habitat than a cage. Inside it were plants and a small bubbling fountain.
    â€œI don’t see a snake,” Nancy said, examining the cage. “Unless he’s hiding.”
    â€œHe’d be too big to hide,” Bess said.
    â€œSqueeze?” Martika called out, searching the cage with her eyes. “Here, Squeeze.”
    Her voice rose and reflected her panic when it became obvious that the cage was empty. “He’s not here!” Martika said, aghast. “And the cage door is closed. Someone must have let him